Mississippi is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Male inmates in prison for violent crimes are eligible to participate in the residence work program. Inmates are responsible for grounds keeping, interior maintenance, washing cars, and assisting the cooks.<ref name=inmate/>

Mississippi is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Male inmates in prison for violent crimes are eligible to participate in the residence work program. Inmates are responsible for grounds keeping, interior maintenance, washing cars, and assisting the cooks.<ref name=inmate/>

Nebraska is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Both male and female inmates who have achieved community custody are eligible for the residence work program. Inmates are responsible for housekeeping, assisting in the kitchen and with special events, conducting tours of the mansion, tending to family pets, bartending, and vehicle and grounds maintenance.<ref name=inmate/>

Nebraska is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Both male and female inmates who have achieved community custody are eligible for the residence work program. Inmates are responsible for housekeeping, assisting in the kitchen and with special events, conducting tours of the mansion, tending to family pets, bartending, and vehicle and grounds maintenance.<ref name=inmate/>

Nevada is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Male inmates in minimum custody for non violent offenses, within one year of probable parole or discharge are eligible for the residence work program. Inmates are responsible for general housekeeping, maintenance, and landscaping.<ref name=inmate/>

Nevada is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Male inmates in minimum custody for non violent offenses, within one year of probable parole or discharge are eligible for the residence work program. Inmates are responsible for general housekeeping, maintenance, and landscaping.<ref name=inmate/>

North Carolina is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Both male and female inmates who have gone through a stringent screening process are eligible to participate in the residence work program. The process includes two separate personal interviews, risk assessments by trained psychologist, and medical screening. Twenty-two male inmates are responsible for groundskeeping, assisting in the kitchen, and serving at the Raleigh residence. Two female inmates are assigned to the second and third floors of the main residence that function as housekeepers to the first family. At the second, occasional residence, five male inmates perform outside and inside duties including landscaping, residence upkeep, and stewardship for functions.<ref name=inmate/>

North Carolina is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Both male and female inmates who have gone through a stringent screening process are eligible to participate in the residence work program. The process includes two separate personal interviews, risk assessments by trained psychologist, and medical screening. Twenty-two male inmates are responsible for groundskeeping, assisting in the kitchen, and serving at the Raleigh residence. Two female inmates are assigned to the second and third floors of the main residence that function as housekeepers to the first family. At the second, occasional residence, five male inmates perform outside and inside duties including landscaping, residence upkeep, and stewardship for functions.<ref name=inmate/>

Oklahoma is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Female inmates eligible for minimum custody and who are within one year of probable parole or discharge are able to participate in the residence work program. The inmates are responsible for grounds keeping and vehicle cleaning.<ref name=inmate/>

Oklahoma is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Female inmates eligible for minimum custody and who are within one year of probable parole or discharge are able to participate in the residence work program. The inmates are responsible for grounds keeping and vehicle cleaning.<ref name=inmate/>

Alabama

Alabama's 8,000 sq. ft. mansion, purchased from the heirs of General Robert Fulwood Ligon in 1950, is the second residence in the state's history. The first residence, the Moses Sabel house, used from 1911-1959, was sold to a private school and then ultimately demolished in 1963. It was located at the corner of South and Perry Streets in Montgomery, Alabama. The legislature allots $142,954 for the Mansion, but grants help cover additional costs for maintenance and repairs. The group "Friends of the Alabama Governor’s Mansion," was established to help raise private funds to restore and preserve the history of the home. They meet interior needs, but not maintenance issues. There is also a state agency called the "Governor’s Mansion Authority" made up of 17 individuals that decide how best to care for the home and its upkeep. This uses a combination of private and general funding. The amount of staff fluctuate with each family, but in 2013 the mansion had four full time employees. [1]

Alabama is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. In Alabama in 2010, inmates on the work release program, which includes community custody inmates who work for free world wages in free world clothing, and minimum custody inmates who work in prison whites for government entities participate in a work program where males are responsible for ground work and painting while females contribute with cooking and cleaning.[2]

Alabama governor's mansion

Inside the governor's mansion

The Moses Sabel house, the first Alabama Governor's Mansion

Alaska

Alaska's 2 1/2-story 12,900-square-foot mansion was completed in 1912 after the 1910 Congress authorized $40,000 for a residence for the governor to be built and furnished. The mansion is located at 716 Calhoun Street in Juneau, Alaska. The building was designed by John Knox Taylor, and was built under the direction of William N. Collier, an engineer with the Treasury Department. At the time, the treasurer department was responsible for overseeing all public buildings owned by the federal government. When the first governor to reside in the home, Walter Eli Clark and his family, moved in, the first floor included a reception hall, drawing room, library, dining room, office, kitchen, two pantries, and a conservatory. The second floor contained four large bedrooms, a sewing room and three bathrooms. The third floor was designed as servant's quarters and had a large room that was to have served as a territorial museum. The exterior of the building, which looks very similar to the building today, was completed in 1936. It was plaster covered wood, painted white. The first renovation was done in 1967-68 by Arthur Morgan Designers of Seattle. They redesigned the third floor into two guest suites and a bedroom. A second renovation, done in 1983, installed new heating, electrical, plumbing, and security systems, as well as restored the interior design of the first two floors to the original 1912 period and refinished the hardwood floors.[3] The most recent work has been a renovation of an exterior retaining wall, and removal of soil on the property that has been contaminated from lead paint. The project, started the summer of 2013, is expected to cost between $800,000 to $890,000 including the landscaping.[4] The 2013 budget for the operating and loan program expenses of state government allotted $764,600 for the normal operating costs of the governor's house.[5]

Arkansas

The Arkansas governor's residence was built in 1948. The building includes the historic home, Grand Hall, and a connecting atrium. Altogether the mansion covers 30,000 square feet, with the home itself taking up 9,000 square feet. The official state operating budget allots $309,000 for two years and maintenance costs are supplemented by money raised through rentals of the Grand Hall and catering. The "Governor's Mansion Association" hold fundraising activities to raise money for purchases for the mansion that cannot be bought with tax payer dollars. The organization has raised money for items such as new pieces of crystal, drapes, and furniture reupholstery. The residence hires nine full time employees, and 20 Arkansas State policeman who provide round the clock security for the residing governor, the family, and the residence and grounds.[6]

Each year, the mansion averages about 160 special events such as dinners, luncheons, and receptions. Many events are state and government affairs but hall rental is also available to non-profit charitable groups and some government organizations and associations. No one may rent the hall for personal events such as weddings or birthdays.[6]

Arkansas is one of thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence.[2] They currently have thirteen prison trusties who work on maintenance for the outside grounds and inside custodial duties.[6] Their residence work program is only open to males.[2]

Colorado

The western exposure of the Boettcher Mansion, residence of the Governor and First Family of Colorado.

Properly known as the Boettcher Mansion, the official gubernatorial residence is an early 20th century white marble home, built in the Roman Ionic style and located at East 8th Avenue and Logan Street on Capitol Hill in Denver.

The mansion passed through the ownership of many of Colorado's founding families, having been built by the Cheesemans between 1907-1908, upgraded by the Evans throughout the early 1920s, and finally coming to be owned by the Boettchers. It was offered to the state of Colorado as a gubernatorial residence in 1957, in accordance with the will of Edna Boettcher, and accepted on behalf of the state by Governor Stephen McNichols in 1959.

Many of the furnishings are original to the era when the mansion was a private residence. Of particular note is the Waterford chandelier in the main drawing room, which originally hung in the White House ballroom and was given to Colorado on the occasion of her statehood, in 1876, by President Chester A. Arthur.

The second floor is the private residence of the First Family of Colorado, if they so choose. The lack of both space and privacy has led to several recent governors maintaining their private homes instead. Governor Hickenlooper and Governor Owens both kept their own homes, through Governor Ritter moved into the mansion.

The main floor of the mansion is used for state occasions, is open to the public for tours, and may be rented for private events.

Connecticut

When the Governor of Connecticut is working in Hartford, he or she resides in this 15,000 square foot Georgian Revival style home.[7][8] It was built in 1909, designed by the Boston-based architectural firm of Andrews, Jacques & Rantoul. North and South wing additions were added in 1916 by Hartford architects Smith & Bassett.
The residence was originally built for Hartford physician and industrialist George C.F. Williams. The State of Connecticut acquired the property in 1943 for $39,500 to the Williams estate in lieu of back taxes.[9] While the home originally sat on 14 acres, it now sits on four and includes a pergola and a pool. The residence is three stories and contains nine fireplaces and nine bathrooms.[7] The most recent residence activity, started in 2011, is a redecorating project by Connecticut Cottages and Gardens magazine. They are donating the labor and supplies to be able to use the residence project as a topic in their publication.[10]

The 3,584 sq foot mansion in Delaware has been the gubernatorial residence since 1965. Before its purchase from the government, the mansion was a family home for several generations. The residence, often referred to as Woodburn, was built by Charles Hillyard III in 1798. While it was in use as a family home, it was even thought to be a stop on the underground railroad in the 1840s and 1850s.[11]

The organization, Friends of Woodburn, Inc is responsible for the continuous maintenance, preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the Governor's House.[12] $70,100 was allocated for the mansion in the 2014 budget.[13]

Florida

The governor currently resides in the Florida gubernatorial mansion, ten blocks away from the state capitol. The Greek Revival mansion was designed by Palm Beach architect Marion Sums Wyeth, and the grounds include a screened swimming pool, cabana, exercise room, and patio.[14]

This is Florida's second mansion. The first, completed in 1907, was torn down in 1955 because it was structurally unsound. The current mansion was completed the following year, in 1956. Ten staff members are responsible for maintenance of the residence, including implementing all events hosted by the first family and their guests.[15] The Governor's Mansion Commission, established by the legislature, oversees funds required to run the mansion. Only official events, hosted by the governor, lieutenant governor, or spouse of the governor are held at the mansion.[16]

Florida governor's mansion

State reception room inside the governor's mansion

Georgia

Georgia's current 24,000 square foot gubernatorial mansion was acquired in 1967 and is the fourth official residence in the state's history. The mansion, like many other mansions in the south, was designed in the Greek Revival style by Georgia architect Thomas Bradbury. The residence, located in northeast Atlanta, has three floors, 30 rooms, and sits on 18 acres. The first floor is designated for official entertaining while the first family resides on the second. The mansion boasts 30 columns on its porches, each standing 24 ft high and made from hollowed out California redwoods. The state acquired the residence from Robert Maddox after a fire had destroyed a large part of the house, and Maddox sold the property to the state.[17] The property is budgeted for $40,000 in operating costs for 2014 and the organization "Friends of the Mansion" solicits and accepts charitable gifts and bequests for the restoration, maintenance, and preservation of the mansion and its furnishings.[18][19]

The first mansion at the original state capitol, Milledgeville, was used from 1838-1868 and is still open for public tours. The second residence, a large Victorian home acquired by the state in 1870, was used until it was demolished in 1923. The next official home was the large granite estate previously of Edwin Ansley which was demolished in 1968.[17]

Georgia is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. In Georgia, male inmates with life sentences that have been refused parole at least once can join the work program. These inmates are healthy, under 50, and have had excellent recommendations from the warden and prison staff. They are responsible for cooking, cleaning, and laundry inside the Mansion as well as in the State Patrol barracks. They maintain the grounds including maintenance of yard equipment, planting and maintaining the vegetable garden, maintaining the swimming pool, and cleaning/washing cars. They are also responsible for holiday decorations and assisting with holiday tours and occasional special events.[2]

Current Georgia governor's mansion

Former mansion

The mansion used from 1870-1923

Hawaii

While the governor does not currently live in the mansion, the official gubernatorial residence of Hawaii is Washington Place, acquired in 1918. Prior to housing Hawaii's governors, it was the home of Hawaii's last monarch Queen Lili‛uokalan. The mansion was built from 1844-1847 and was the Queen's home from 1862, when she married the son of the original builder, John Owen Dominis, until she died in 1917.[20] The nonprofit Washington Place Foundation was created in 1999 to oversee the maintenance and preservation of the residence. No governor's have lived in Washington Place since 2001, is now maintained as a state museum while governor's stay across the street in a newer mansion. [21][22]

State

Currently occupied

Square footage

Cost to maintain

Staff required

Year state acquired residence

Hawaii

Yes

5,000 sq ft

Unknown

Unknown

2001

The unofficial, but current 5,000 sq ft governor's residence is known as "Hale Kia'âina,” or “Home of the Governor.” It is built on the same land as the former residence, Washington Place, but is across the street from the historic landmark building. The new residence was constructed with private funds in 2001.[22]

Idaho

Idaho acquired the 7,370 sq ft residence in 2004 from a donation by J.R. Simplot.[23] In 2012 the state budgeted $120,739 for upkeep of the hilltop mansion.[24] Simplot also allotted a fund to maintain the mansion, but that has dwindled from $1.5 million in 2005 to $775,000 as as maintenance, electricity and repair costs added up.[23] Because of the rising costs, Idaho will return the mansion to the Simplot family in 2013. The state instead will go back to supplying a $54,000 annual housing stipend to current governors.[25]

Illinois

Illinois' 50,000 square foot red brick Italianate mansion is located in downtown Springfield. The residence was redone in 1971 and decorated in the British Regency style.[26] The residence was originally finished in 1855 making it the oldest historic residence in Illinois and the third oldest gubernatorial mansion.[27] Governors stay at the residence occasionally, but it has not been the main residence for several terms.[28] Many organization pay to hold events at the mansion, including churches and businesses. At least 150 paid events were held in 2009, which is the highest of any other gubernatorial residence.[29] A nonprofit organization, The Illinois Executive Mansion Association, was started in 1972 to provide care and upkeep of the residence.[30]

Illinois is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Male inmates in low security prisons with no violence in their history can take part in the work program at the residence. They are responsible for cutting grass, planting flowers, and outdoor custodial work.[2]

Current Georgia governor's mansion

Former mansion

Indiana

Indiana's current 10,500 sq ft Governor's mansion sits at 4750 North Meridian Street in Indianapolis. The mansion is the sixth official Governor's residences in Indiana. The first residence was located in Corydon, Indiana, the state's first capital, and housed Governor Jennings and his wife from 1816-1822. The remaining mansions have been in Indianapolis, the state's current capitol. The current home was built in 1923 but was acquired by the state's Governor's Residence Commission in 1973 for approximately $ 242,000 from Indianapolis attorney C. Severin Buschman. The mansion is an English Tudor home built by Scott Wadley and designed by architects Rabush and hunter. In 2002, a 2,300 square foot addition was added to the south end of the residence which included a new meeting/dining room and an elevator.[31] The 2013 budget allotted $114,575 for the residence in 2013.[32] While there is no non-profit organization set up for the mansion, the Governor's Residence Commission does except donations.[33]

Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Male inmates who have been pre-screened by Louisiana State Police for specific skills, good health, good behavior and who have passed an oral interview conducted by the Governor's Security Commander are eligible to participate in the residence work program. Inmates work in the kitchen, on the grounds, and as the butlers, as well as perform janitorial duties and laundry services.[2]

Maryland is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Both male and female inmates who are classified as pre-release security inmates are eligible to participate in the residence work program. Inmates work in sanitation, landscaping, and general maintenance.[2]

Mississippi

Mississippi is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Male inmates in prison for violent crimes are eligible to participate in the residence work program. Inmates are responsible for grounds keeping, interior maintenance, washing cars, and assisting the cooks.[2]

Mississippi governor's mansion

Mississippi governor's mansion

Missouri

Missouri is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Male inmates who have been be approved for work release at Algoa Correctional Center with no history of violence, child abuse, sex offenses or history of escape are eligible for the work program. Offenders must also have good institutional adjustment and have completed an interview process with the ACC administration and the Governor Mansion Director. Inmates are responsible for day to day cleaning, cooking and maintenance of the Governor's Mansion.
They also assist with special events as needed: cooking, cleaning, setting up and providing meal service and grounds keeping.[2]

Nebraska

Nebraska is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Both male and female inmates who have achieved community custody are eligible for the residence work program. Inmates are responsible for housekeeping, assisting in the kitchen and with special events, conducting tours of the mansion, tending to family pets, bartending, and vehicle and grounds maintenance.[2]

Nebraska governor's mansion

Nebraska governor's mansion

Nebraska governor's mansion

Nevada

Nevada is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Male inmates in minimum custody for non violent offenses, within one year of probable parole or discharge are eligible for the residence work program. Inmates are responsible for general housekeeping, maintenance, and landscaping.[2]

North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Both male and female inmates who have gone through a stringent screening process are eligible to participate in the residence work program. The process includes two separate personal interviews, risk assessments by trained psychologist, and medical screening. Twenty-two male inmates are responsible for groundskeeping, assisting in the kitchen, and serving at the Raleigh residence. Two female inmates are assigned to the second and third floors of the main residence that function as housekeepers to the first family. At the second, occasional residence, five male inmates perform outside and inside duties including landscaping, residence upkeep, and stewardship for functions.[2]

Oklahoma

Oklahoma is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Female inmates eligible for minimum custody and who are within one year of probable parole or discharge are able to participate in the residence work program. The inmates are responsible for grounds keeping and vehicle cleaning.[2]

South Dakota

South Dakota is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Female inmates in minimum security facilities are eligible to participate in the residence work program. The inmates are responsible for general kitchen and event duties such as event setup, food preparation, serving, cleanup, and tear down.[2]

Tennessee

Tennessee is one of the thirteen states that allows inmates to work on the residence. Male inmates charge with non-violent crimes are eligible to participate in the residence work program. The inmates provide maintenance of the grounds, landscaping, and other minor maintenance work.[2]